Full-Time

Director-Business Management

Polyethylene Business, Multiple Teams

Posted on 8/23/2025

Westlake

Westlake

1,001-5,000 employees

Global petrochemicals and building products manufacturer

No salary listed

Houston, TX, USA

In Person

US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
Business & Strategy (3)
, ,
Required Skills
Market Research
Sales
Marketing
Requirements
  • BS in Business or Technical area
  • Minimum of 15 years industry experience
  • Prior experience in polymer manufacturing, sales, and commercial leadership highly preferred
  • Knowledge of polymers products, markets, competitors, and applications
  • Ability to integrate sales, manufacturing, quality and technical requirements to develop a value-added product mix
  • Knowledge of extrusion and molding applications and requirements
  • Knowledge of market research, programs and systems, and effective selling techniques
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong customer relation skills
  • Knowledge of computer applications and appropriate business software
Responsibilities
  • Assist in the preparation and execution of the long-term business plan
  • Develop annual business plan to include sales and market forecasts, key issues, business objectives, alternative strategies, and their implication for profitability, growth, plant capacity, research efforts, product and process developments, etc.
  • Direct and supervise PE S&OP Team to ensure inventory targets and supply chain functions align with business goals
  • Direct and supervise product line Business/Product Managers to optimize asset utilization and drive strategic product growth across all assets and in alignment with overall Polyethylene SBU goals
  • Direct and supervise Marketing and Market Development Team to ensure branding and key market support align with and support the long-term business strategy
  • Steward Sustainability efforts for the Polyethylene SBU
  • Participate in development of the forward view for the business, including threats and opportunities
  • Manage market segment focus areas and product grade slate offerings to ensure maximum contribution margin and manufacturing capabilities are achieved
  • Manage market research analyses to ensure the necessary quantitative and qualitative data for plant expansion, product and market development, diversification and acquisitions are provided
  • Assist in developing sales strategy, grade slate and customer mix decisions, including contracting and pricing to ensure maximum profit margin for the business
  • Collaborate and play a leadership role with functional groups (Sales, TS&D, Manufacturing, R&D, Logistics, Customer Service and Purchasing) to ensure alignment with strategy and provide high quality sales, marketing, and manufacturing support
  • Steward business performance vs. plan to identify variations from plans and forecasts in areas such as market growth, competitive activity, sales volume, price and value, product profitability, etc., and implement the necessary corrective action
  • Steward business performance vs industry benchmarks to ensure optimum performance and close gaps relative to competitor performance
  • Direct reports include S&OP Manager, LDPE Business Manager, LLDPE Product Manager, Marketing Manager, PE Product Specialist
  • Any additional responsibilities as assigned
Desired Qualifications
  • Team skills are a high priority, working within the business, as well as with most of Westlake’s functional areas

Westlake manufactures and supplies petrochemicals, polymers, and building products used in everything from food packaging to residential roofing. The company operates through a vertically integrated model, controlling the entire production process from raw materials to finished goods to ensure quality and supply chain reliability. This integration distinguishes Westlake from competitors by providing greater cost control and the ability to serve both industrial chemical markets and the construction industry simultaneously. Westlake's goal is to provide a stable global supply of essential materials and infrastructure products for the automotive, consumer goods, and housing sectors.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Houston, Texas

Founded

1986

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • PEM margins improve from Strait of Hormuz closure and low US natural gas.
  • HIP segment volumes grow 10% in Q1 2026 on pipe and construction demand.
  • $1.5B credit facility to 2031 funds Wilhelmshaven PVC acquisition.

What critics are saying

  • $67M PVC price-fixing settlement triggers further antitrust lawsuits by Q4 2026.
  • EU REACH rules force Vinnolit retrofits, slashing European margins in 2027.
  • US housing permits drop 15% YoY, crushing HIP siding and pipe demand.

What makes Westlake unique

  • Westlake ranks second globally in chlor-alkali and PVC production.
  • Vertical integration controls costs from chlorine to finished PVC products.
  • Operates 25 worldwide sites producing epoxies for EVs and wind turbines.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Flexible Work Hours

Quarterly performance-based bonuses

Company News

Polyestertime
May 3rd, 2026
Westlake Vinnolit Acquisition Boosts Growth 04-05-2026

Westlake Vinnolit acquisition - Westlake Vinnolit acquisition expands specialty PVC capabilities, strengthens global market position, and.....

TradingView
Apr 6th, 2026
Westlake Secures $1.5 Billion Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Led by JPMorgan

Westlake entered into a new $1.5 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility effective April 2, 2026, replacing its prior 2022 revolver. The facility, led by JPMorgan Chase Bank as administrative agent, matures on April 2, 2031, features ratings-based pricing on Term SOFR or ABR, and include…

AInvest
Apr 6th, 2026
Westlake secures $1.5B revolving credit facility for operational flexibility

Westlake Corp. has secured a new revolving credit facility of up to $1.5 billion, according to recent disclosures. The agreement is designed to provide additional financial flexibility for operational needs and strategic initiatives. Specific terms, including interest rates, covenants, lender identity and duration, were not disclosed. The company has not detailed how it intends to use the proceeds, though such facilities are typically deployed for working capital, debt refinancing or capital expenditures. The move reflects broader corporate finance trends, with companies securing flexible credit arrangements to navigate economic uncertainties and fund growth opportunities. The agreement was highlighted in a recent investor update outlining key financial developments for the company.

Stock Titan
Apr 2nd, 2026
Westlake (WLK) shifts buesinger to advisor, names Powers segment head.

Westlake (WLK) shifts buesinger to advisor, names Powers segment head. Filing Impact (Moderate) Filing Sentiment Rhea-AI Filing summary. Westlake Corporation announced a leadership transition in its Performance & Essential Materials segment. Robert F. Buesinger, currently Executive Vice President and Segment Head, will move to the role of Special Advisor to the President, effective April 2, 2026. On the same date, the Board appointed Brian Powers as Senior Vice President, Performance & Essential Materials Segment Head. This change reflects planned succession around Mr. Buesinger's upcoming retirement and keeps him involved in an advisory capacity to support continuity. 8-K event classification. Item 5.02 - Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Key figures. Board approval date: March 30, 2026 Effective date of role changes: April 2, 2026 Senior Notes coupon and maturity: 1.625% due 2029 Key terms. Emerging growth company, Special Advisor to the President, Performance & Essential Materials Segment Head, Senior Vice President, +1 more 04/02/2026 - 08:01 AM Faq. What executive leadership change did Westlake (WLK) announce? Westlake announced a leadership transition in its Performance & Essential Materials segment. Robert F. Buesinger will move from Executive Vice President and Segment Head to Special Advisor to the President, while Brian Powers becomes Senior Vice President and Segment Head, both effective April 2, 2026. Who is Robert F. Buesinger and what is his new role at Westlake (WLK)? Robert F. Buesinger is Executive Vice President and Performance & Essential Materials Segment Head. In connection with his upcoming retirement, he will transition to Special Advisor to the President of Westlake Corporation, effective April 2, 2026, remaining involved in the company in an advisory capacity. Who is taking over as Performance & Essential Materials Segment Head at Westlake (WLK)? Brian Powers has been appointed Senior Vice President, Performance & Essential Materials Segment Head at Westlake Corporation. His appointment becomes effective April 2, 2026, following the transition of Robert F. Buesinger to a Special Advisor role supporting the company's president. When do the Westlake (WLK) leadership changes become effective? The leadership changes become effective April 2, 2026. On that date, Robert F. Buesinger moves to Special Advisor to the President, and Brian Powers assumes the role of Senior Vice President, Performance & Essential Materials Segment Head for Westlake Corporation. What board action did Westlake (WLK) take regarding its Performance & Essential Materials segment? On March 30, 2026, Westlake's Board of Directors approved a leadership transition for its Performance & Essential Materials segment. The board endorsed Robert F. Buesinger's move to Special Advisor and appointed Brian Powers as Senior Vice President and Segment Head, effective April 2, 2026. Filing exhibits & attachments. 4 documents

Rigzone
Mar 30th, 2026
ADNOC, OMV unveil executive leadership for polyolefins JV.

ADNOC, OMV unveil executive leadership for polyolefins JV. Rigzone Staff Monday, March 30, 2026 | 5:12 AM EST OMV and ADNOC named NOVA Chemicals resident and chief executive Roger Kearns as CEO of Borouge Group International, set for launch this March as a consolidation of ADNOC and OMV's polyolefins businesses. OMV AG and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co PJSC (ADNOC) has named NOVA Chemicals Corp president and chief executive Roger Kearns as CEO of Borouge Group International AG (BGI), set for launch this March as a consolidation of ADNOC and OMV's polyolefins businesses. Concurrent with the formation of the joint venture, ADNOC expects to complete the acquisition of NOVA Chemicals, a Calgary-based subsidiary of Emirati sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Co, also this month. NOVA Chemicals is to be transferred to BGI, a merger between Borealis GmbH and Borouge PLC. Austria's state-backed OMV owns 75 percent of Vienna-based Borealis while ADNOC holds the remaining 25 percent. In Abu Dhabi-based Borouge, ADNOC directly owns 54 percent while Borealis has 36 percent. "From day 1, our priority will be continuity for customers, confidence for shareholders and disciplined execution as we build a leading global polyolefins champion", Kearns said in a joint statement by ADNOC and OMV. The statement said, "Roger brings over 40 years of global experience in the chemicals sector including establishing joint ventures, turning around and scaling companies and successfully closing complex deals across key markets including in Asia and the Middle East". "At NOVA Chemicals, he led the construction and startup of major growth projects and expanded the company's position in recycled polyethylene", it added. Kearns previously served as chief operating officer of Westlake, as well as held operational and investment roles at Solvay in Asia, Europe and the United States, the statement said. ADNOC managing director and CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber has been appointed chair of BGI's supervisory board. Borealis CEO Stefan Doboczky will become BGI chief commercial officer. "In his current role as CEO of Borealis, he has successfully led the company through a period of significant market and energy price challenges... Prior to joining Borealis, his 30-year international career included more than a decade as CEO and executive board member of listed chemicals companies and private equity firms", the statement said. Borouge chief operating officer Hasan Karam will continue with that role at BGI. "In his role at Borouge PLC, Dr Karam has led the transformation of and driven operational excellence at the world's largest integrated single-site polyolefin complex, delivering record production levels and utilization rates above nameplate capacity, while advancing efficiency across the company's assets through artificial intelligence and digitalization", the statement said. Daniel Turnheim, Borealis' current chief financial officer (CFO), will become interim CFO at BGI until a permanent appointment, which is expected May 2026. "As Borouge PLC will retain its listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange until the proposed tender offer to convert Borouge PLC shares to Borouge Group International AG shares, Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi will remain as CEO of Borouge PLC, with Jan-Martin Nufer continuing in his role as CFO of Borouge PLC during the transition period and Roland Janssen remaining as chief marketing officer", the statement said. "Dr Hasan Karam will also continue in his role as chief operating officer of Borouge PLC". BGI "will benefit from one of the most geographically diversified platforms in the polyolefins sector, integrating production across three continents and serving customers internationally", ADNOC and OMV added. To contact the author, email [email protected] What do you think? Ohali & Sons Co.'d love to hear from you, join the conversation on the Rigzone Energy Network. The Rigzone Energy Network is a new social experience created for you and all energy professionals to Speak Up about its industry, share knowledge, connect with peers and industry insiders and engage in a professional community that will empower your career in energy.

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